Trump wins presidency, Harris concedes defeat in speech

Republican former president Donald Trump has won the presidential election with 295 electoral votes, compared to defeated Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ 226 electoral votes.

US media on Wednesday declared Trump the winner in over half of the 50 US states, including four swing states.

Many world leaders congratulated Trump, while others raised concern on what his win will mean for foreign policy.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to Trump to congratulate him on the victory, with a Downing Street spokesperson confirming Starmer "offered his hearty congratulations" and was eager to work with him "across all areas of the special relationship".

The pair also discussed the situation in the Middle East, the spokesperson said, and "underscored the importance of regional stability".

French President Emmanuel Macron also discussed the Middle East with Trump, telling him they "wish to work together for the return of peace and stability", adding there are "major ongoing international crises", the French President's office said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump spoke about the "Iranian threat" to Israel's security, reports said.

"The conversation was warm and cordial. The prime minister congratulated Trump on his election victory, and the two agreed to work together for Israel's security. The two also discussed the Iranian threat," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

Senator Bernie Sanders slammed Democrat leaders in a statement published on X, where he blamed their attitude to economic inequality for Trump’s win.

"It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them" he wrote.

"While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change. And they’re right," he continued.

Meanwhile, Harris conceded her defeat in a speech given at her alma mater, Howard University, where she vowed to keep fighting and working towards ensuring a smooth transition at the White House.

"We must accept the results of this election. Earlier today, I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory," she said.

"I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition, and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power," she continued.

Harris also addressed disappointed supporters watching her speech, telling them "it is ok to feel sad and disappointed but please know it’s going to be ok… Sometimes the fight takes a while, that doesn’t mean with won’t win."